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SEIA is the solar energy industry’s go-to source for the latest coverage on solar power, including U.S. and international policy, research and polls, business and financing trends, and more. Our staff strives to support the media covering solar energy issues and guide our members on effective media outreach with clear statements, background materials, news and multimedia resources.

SEIA is committed to informing policymakers, the media, and the American public about the benefits of solar energy for today’s communities, our economy, and our country.

SunPower Corp. (SPWR) has signed a power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric or PG&E for delivery of the 100-megawatt (AC) Henrietta Solar Project in Kings County, Calif. According to the company, the project is likely to create nearly 200 jobs during construction and inject $72.7 million into the local economy.

GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) today released U.S. Solar Market Insight: 2nd Quarter 2012. The report finds that U.S. solar achieved its second-best quarter in history, having installed 742 megawatts of solar power, and the best quarter on record for the utility market segment.

Envision Solar International announced on Thursday that one of its Tracking Solar Trees®, which includes a SunCharge™ electric vehicle charging station as its trunk, will be going up at GM’s Milford Proving Ground.

The solar-power business is expanding quickly in the U.S., helping lift the cloud that has surrounded the industry since the demise of Solyndra LLC a year ago. But the growth isn't coming from U.S. solar-panel manufacturing, despite the money and rhetoric devoted to the industry by the Obama administration. Instead, it is in installations of largely foreign-made panels, whose falling price has made solar more competitive with other forms of power.

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Much of the solar industry's attention of late has been focused on the loss of important solar incentives from national governments, including the end of the 1603 grant program in the U.S. However, the Solar Energy Industries Association announced plans at the start of the year, just as the 1603 program was closing up, to shift its focus substantially toward the states rather than the federal government. The group even joined with the state-oriented Solar Alliance to further the interests of the industry.

"Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." In 2011, Warren Buffett's adherence to this belief drove him to invest in some of the most disliked and troublesome companies and industries out there. Now, as we progress into the new year, some of these risky moves appear to be showing signs of promise.

Sierra Middle School on Thursday unveiled its $200,000 solar power system courtesy of a PG&E grant that will power about 20 classrooms, lower the campus' overall energy bill and will be used as a catalyst for "green" education.